Articles By Dr. Bahari

Dr. Pejman Bahari, D.O., the Founder of Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center has written many articles for patients. His articles have earned him several recognitions for his contribution to patient education.

Cosmetic Injectables versus Plastic Surgery

You are busy fulfilling your many roles as a provider, parent, spouse, adult child, you name it. And then one day someone tells you that you look tired. The first time, you ignore it. After hearing the same remark several times, you look in the mirror and realize that you don't look quite as well as you used to; whether you're actually tired, or not. In our culture, looking good, feeling well, being competitive at all times, and in all areas is a must, so you hesitantly start weighing your options. Is it a time for a plastic surgery? And that's when you begin agonizing. A surgery has many risks. There is the prospect of a huge expense; general anesthesia; recovery which you'll have to suffer through and hide. There is the feeling of excitement mixed with apprehension: will you emerge afterwards as a younger version of you, or will you stare at a stranger in the mirror for the rest of your life? There is the prospect of extended absence from work and the prospect of others scrutinizing the results. Will they know you've had plastic surgery, or will they politely pretend that they believe you've been on vacation? You know that you've arrived at a point when you have to do something, but the thought of plastic surgery is intimidating with many risks to consider and not just to your health.

Don't despair; there are options that address each of your concerns in a much gentler way. Aging is referred to as a process; rejuvenation can be a process as well. Let's explore cosmetic injectables versus plastic surgery. Both can effectively address signs of aging. What specific issues can be remedied with cosmetic injectables? Well, for starters wrinkles, crow's feet, undesirable skin depressions, laugh lines, the infamous nasolabial folds, and more. Botox is a great solution for fine lines and wrinkles, particularly frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines. It works by temporarily blocking "communication" between the nerves and muscles in the treated area. This prevents the muscle from contracting and therefore relaxes the skin which stops wrinkling. For continuing wrinkle management, Botox treatments need to be repeated every 3 to 6 months. Unlike Botox which is derived from a deadly toxin (Botulinum), collagen and Hyaluronic acid injectables are biocompatible which means that they are accepted by the human body as its own substances. (Treatments with Hyaluronic acid and collagen injectables need to be repeated because the patient's body gradually absorbs these seminatural substances.) Collagen injectables provide another option for controlling wrinkles; they are also used for lip and cheek augmentation. (Collagen injectables are made of either human or bovine collagen. Both are tolerated by the patient's body.) Collagen injectables are effective at filling up minor depressions in the skin.) The duration of positive effects achieved with collagen injectables varies from patient to patient; the results may last from three months to one year depending on the individual's reaction. To maintain the results repeated treatments are recommended. Hyaluronic acid injectables are made of a synthetic version of Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally occurring in our bodies: in skin tissue, cartilage, joint and eye fluid. With age the natural levels of Hyaluronic acid in a human body become depleted causing - among other things - dry, thin skin and the formation of wrinkles. Such well known brands as Restylane® and Juvederm® are some of the Hyaluronic acid based cosmetic fillers. (Juvederm® is commonly used to fill in the "parentheses" which run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.) Injecting Hyaluronic acid filler into facial wrinkles helps to minimize them. Another important effect Hyaluronic acid injectables create is the increase in skin's volume which contributes to a younger appearance. The duration of results achieved with Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers varies from person to person; the average duration is set at 3 to 6 months, but in some individuals can be as short as one month. With that said many sources credit Hyaluronic acid injectables with stimulating the skin's production of natural collagen which enhances and extends the cosmetic results.

Once the aging process has led to the formation of deep laugh lines, furrows or skin folds, the facial injectables mentioned above may not be sufficient. Other - also injectable - fillers were developed specifically for a soft tissue augmentation and can help correct these issues. Such soft tissue fillers as ArteFill and Radiesse® can fill in and augment larger skin depressions.

It has to be mentioned that not every one is a good candidate for cosmetic injectables, it is recommended that you discuss your health issues and the medications you're taking with your doctor before having the procedure. The benefits of cosmetic injectables are many. All of them are considered non-invasive and are performed under a local - as opposed to general - anesthesia. In most cases, the time required for the procedure is from 15 minutes to one hour at a doctor's office which makes it possible to drop by for a treatment during the lunch hour. The recovery is swift and won't be noticed by your friends and co-workers. The outcome won't surprise you, either: it will still be you but looking younger and well-rested. The cost is much lower than that of plastic surgery. True, to sustain the results regularly repeated treatments are needed, but all things considered, cosmetic injectables produce a great return on investment.

Are cosmetic injectables a substitute for plastic surgery? No, there are some outcomes that only plastic surgery can produce, take for instance rhinoplasty (a nose job) or a breast augmentation (breast implants). Cosmetic injectables are however an excellent, non-invasive alternative to plastic surgery that produces impressive anti-aging and cosmetic improvements without many of the problems inherent to plastic surgery at a much lower risk and cost to the patient. Cosmetic Injectables versus Plastic Surgery? More and more consumers are discovering that Botox, Collagen and Hyaluronic acid injectables are an effective, safe and more affordable approach to aging. It comes as no surprise that in spite of the current state of economy the popularity of cosmetic injectables is skyrocketing while the number of plastic surgeries performed continues to decline.

About the Author: Dr. Pejman Bahari is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (an expert in anti-aging medicine) who practices cosmetic medicine with emphasis on holistic patient care. He provides full spectrum of cosmetic injectables and EXCLUSIVE cosmetic injectable's procedures at his Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Bahari's priorities are: the patient's satisfaction, safety and comfort. In this spirit he advocates non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments which produce spectacular results WITHOUT the need for surgery or general anesthesia and require little or no downtime.

A Single Laser Treatment For A Younger Skin by Dr. Pejman Bahari, D.O.

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing has been declared the number one "anti-aging breakthrough of the decade" by WebMD.com. It has grown in popularity by 130 percent in just one year. What's so different about Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing? It is minimally-invasive and produces maximum benefit at a minimum risk to the patient.

The principle of skin resurfacing is simple: by inflicting a controlled damage to the skin, the procedure is intended to stimulate the skin's natural healing mechanism; cause it to increase its collagen production and re-grow new, wrinkle and blemish-free skin. The goal of all skin resurfacing methods is the same, the technique you choose for your skin resurfacing however determines its cosmetic outcome, the level of risk involved and the length of post-procedure downtime. In traditional dermabrasion (there are several different techniques used in the procedure) the doctor "sands away" the top layer of the skin. Dermabrasion produces rejuvenating results it has however numerous known risks (scarring, acne flare-ups or mini cysts, infection, etc.), complications (such as scars caused by over-production of collagen, broken capillaries, etc.) and requires several weeks of recovery.

The newer approach to skin resurfacing involves laser. There are two popular techniques currently available: ablative lasers which vaporize the top layer of the skin and non-ablative lasers which only super-heat top layers of the skin causing a "controlled injury" to stimulate the growth of new skin. Ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment is usually performed once and produces long-lasting results. Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing, may require several treatments to achieve desired results.

Until recently, the only available laser technology for skin resurfacing relied on a single beam laser. Ablative laser skin resurfacing with a single laser beam produces impressive and long lasting results. It is however costly (from $3,500 to $5,000); it has several significant risk factors: it involves general anesthesia and may expose the patient to the risk of infection and scaring. Even worse, it requires a long recovery, on average 30 days before the patient is able to leave her home and return to work.

In contrast to the traditional, single-beam laser skin resurfacing, Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing presents the patient with a new, gentler and safer option and here is why: Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing doesn't use a single, solid laser beam like the old CO2 laser known for causing wounds, sores and crusting but a multitude of microscopic "beamlets". A solid beam laser causes a massive, traumatic and less precisely controlled, intentional injury to the skin; many microscopic laser beams inflict much less traumatic and better-controlled skin injury, leaving enough intact skin tissue to accelerate recovery.

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is used for ablative skin resurfacing and produces the same spectacular and long-lasting results as those achieved with a single beam laser but because it is much less traumatic it eliminates most of the liabilities of the single beam laser procedure. Since the Fractional CO2 Laser uses many microscopic laser beams (as opposed to one solid laser beam) it results in a minimal damage to the top layer of the skin. That's why the procedure itself is much less painful and doesn't require general anesthesia. The results of it are spectacular (the majority of patients agrees that a single Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment took 10 years of their appearance.). The risk of complications is minimal. The post-procedure downtime is much shorter: 3 to 4 days. Another important factor is the cost which is about $2,000.

The cosmetic outcomes produced by Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing are impressive. Usually a single, minimally-invasive treatment produces long-lasting results which continue to improve for months after the procedure thanks to the increased collagen production stimulated by the treatment. (The patient may choose to have a touch up treatment every few years to maintain a youthful appearance and the skin's collagen production's level.)

Speaking about Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing David Goldberg, MD, director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and clinical professor of dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City said: "Essentially, you are getting all the benefits of laser resurfacing, still the best way to remove wrinkles, but you're getting it without the downtime and without the horrendous complication rate." (Excerpted from WebMD Magazine's article "Top 6 Anti-Aging Breakthroughs" by Colette Bouchez)

What does a Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment involve? During the treatment the laser is moved precisely over the area that needs to be treated. (The patient experiences slight stinging, comparable with that of a rubber band snapped against the skin. Topical numbing cream and the use of cooled air during the procedure are usually enough to make the procedure painless. In some cases, oral analgesics for pain and anxiety control may be provided for added comfort of the patient.) If the problems to be treated are of considerable depth as it is the case with wrinkles, blemishes or scars, the laser will be moved over the area in a repeated pattern. This way, the laser's tiny beams are able to super heat several layers of damaged skin and uncover the perfect, undamaged skin beneath. Depending on the extent of the area treated the treatment takes from 30-45 minutes (for a partial face lasabration) to one and half hour (for a full face lasabration).

What to expect after the treatment? For the first two days the patient may look and feel like after sunburn. (Skin redness and swelling are to be expected). Some pain may accompany it as well. (If needed, pain medication will be prescribed by your doctor.) The patient is usually provided with such items as sterile mineral water for misting the treated area as well as an antibacterial cream and a moisturizer. Most patients resume work in three to four days. (Skin peeling is to be expected in the first week after the treatment which subsides in about 10 days.)

What issues can be addressed with Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing? Just one treatment produces significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines, large pores, sun damage, age spots, freckles, and scars. (In the experience of Dr. Bahari of Affinity Cosmetic & Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing improves lines under the eyes and around the lips better than any other cosmetic laser available today.) There is also a significant skin tightening effect because the heat of the laser beams causes an immediate collagen contraction.

Who isn't a good candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing? This treatment isn't recommended for African Americans and other people with darker skin tones because it may result in a permanent skin discoloration and dark spots. (And of course, like all other cosmetic procedures, Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is not advisable for smokers who are at a high risk of complications and may have difficulty healing.)

To conclude: the bad news is that no one can escape the visible and damaging effects of the sun, aging and gravity on their skin. The good news is that we no longer have to accept the damage because of the effectiveness and safety of Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing. Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing, the anti-aging breakthrough, is performed on outpatient basis, doesn't require general anesthesia or extended downtime, and dramatically improves the appearance of a damaged skin at a fraction of the cost of traditional laser skin resurfacing.

About the Author: Dr. Pejman Bahari is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (an expert in anti-aging medicine) who practices cosmetic medicine with emphasis on holistic patient care. He provides Fractional CO2 Laser treatments at his Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Bahari's priorities are: the patient's satisfaction, safety and comfort. In this spirit he advocates non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments which produce spectacular results WITHOUT the need for surgery or general anesthesia and require little or no downtime.

Fraxel Laser The Gentle Way To Better Skin

Dr. Bahari, the Founder of Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills and renown expert of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in L.A. area explains Fraxel Laser.

The use of lasers in cosmetic medicine, especially in laser-assisted dermabrassion isn't new. They've quickly gained recognition for their effectiveness but until 2004 were also known for being quite painful and requiring a long recovery. The introduction of Fraxel laser, the first fractional laser, in 2004 changed that, as Fraxel laser - the gentlest cosmetic laser to date - addressed the question how to get blemish-free skin with NO downtime.

All skin resurfacing treatments work on the same principle: they inflict controlled damage to the skin which stimulates its natural healing mechanism and causes it to re-grow healthy and unblemished. Older lasers utilized one solid laser beam which caused planned but nevertheless severe skin damage. Fraxel laser pioneered the use of many microscopic laser beams instead of a single, solid one. In lay terms: the solid beam laser gave the patient a feeling of being hit by a truck while a fractional laser is like being stung by a few bees. (Obviously the impact on the patient's body is very different and so is the recovery time). The revelation is that the results produced by a solid laser and a fractional laser are compatible; the main difference being less pain for the patient, faster recovery and in the case of Fraxel laser, in particular: NO downtime at all.

Fraxel laser is non-ablative but after several treatments produces benefits equal to those of ablative lasers without the risks, pain, and recovery time. Here is what you need to know to appreciate the difference: full ablative lasers vaporize the top layer of skin - basically, destroy it - to stimulate the production of new, healthy skin. The resulting injury is extensive and the recovery from it is painful and long. Non-ablative lasers - such as Fraxel laser - bypass the top layer of the skin and super-heat its deeper layers which stimulates the skin to increase its collagen and elastin production. There is no massive injury, as a matter fact most of the skin tissue remains undamaged after the treatment, and is therefore able to support the injured skin in faster and much less painful healing. After the treatment the skin's texture and tone improves and the skin becomes smoother and tauter.

What conditions can be addressed with Fraxel laser? Fraxel laser effectively corrects such problems as port-wine stains, sun damage, wrinkles, brown spots, surgical or chicken pox scars, melasma, stretch marks, and loss of skin's elasticity due to aging. What areas can be treated by Fraxel laser? Since this particular laser is very precise it can be used on the face as well as neck, chest, décolletagé and hands. How soon to expect improvement? The change in the skin's softness and texture is apparent almost immediately and results improve with time. How many treatments are necessary for optimal results? Since Fraxel laser is gentler than other types of cosmetic laser, the treatment needs to be repeated 4-6 times (usually few weeks apart) to achieve the best possible outcome. How does Fraxel laser work? By super-heating deeper layers of the skin it stimulates collagen and elastin production which regenerates the skin and restores its smoothness and elasticity. Unlike ablative lasers which improve the outer layer of the skin only, Fraxel which is non-ablative improves the texture and quality of the skin on a deeper level which produces powerful re-texturing and rejuvenating effect, not limited to the surface of the skin. If your concern is getting rid of blemishes or scars, by working from the inside out Fraxel laser increases the rate of the skin's renewal: the blemished skin will gradually peel off and be replaced by a new and blemish-free skin. If your focus is on rejuvenation: the body's natural production of collagen and elastin decreases with age causing skin to sag. That's why eliminating signs of aging isn't merely a matter of removing wrinkles but ensuring that the skin tissue beneath the skin's surface is rich in collagen and elastin which give the face youthful fullness and prevent skin from sagging. Fraxel laser is uniquely suited for rejuvenation because by penetrating into deeper levels of skin tissue it stimulates the body's natural production of collagen and elastin which re-texturize the skin from the inside out.

The usual length of a single treatment ranges from 30 to 40 minutes depending on the area being treated. What to expect after the procedure? Usually, 3-4 days of slight swelling and 1 day of redness followed by a minor skin peeling: if you need to return to work immediately these can be easily camouflaged by makeup. What are the potential risks of the procedure? When the treatment is performed by an experienced physician the risk of scarring or infection is extremely rare.

Fraxel laser isn't new; it already has an established track record which proves that Fraxel is as effective as other cosmetic lasers used in skin resurfacing procedures but while consistently achieving desired results, it is safer than many other laser technologies on the market today and by far the gentlest. It presents an excellent option for patients afraid of pain and those who can't afford to take weeks off from their busy lives to recuperate. In other words, Fraxel Laser is the Gentle Way to Better Skin; it the gentlest cosmetic laser.

About the Author: Dr. Pejman Bahari is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (an expert in anti-aging medicine) who practices cosmetic medicine with emphasis on holistic patient care. He provides Fractional CO2 Laser treatments at his Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Bahari's priorities are: the patient's satisfaction, safety and comfort. In this spirit he advocates non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments which produce spectacular results WITHOUT the need for surgery or general anesthesia and require little or no downtime.

Get Rid Of Scars

Scars form for numerous reasons: they can be the result of a skin condition (like acne), an accidental burn, surgery, etc. Whatever the reason, some scars may be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. In general, it is wise to allow some time to pass before taking action because most scars tend to pale and become less noticeable over time. If your scar however continues to be a source of frustration for you, you'll be pleased to know that even though most scars can't be removed entirely there are ways to get rid of scars or at least minimize the appearance of scars and not all of them involve surgery.

The number one non-surgical scar treatment involves Fractional CO2 Laser. Fractional CO2 Laser is very precise and that's why it is possible for the doctor to focus it exactly on the scar tissue. Because of this unique precision and the fact that this laser is fractional (it doesn't damage a solid area of the skin but only fractions at a time) it is perfect for scar reduction and in many cases, even scar removal. Get rid of scars with Fractional CO2 Laser scar revision: Fractional CO2 Laser belongs to a group of lasers known as ablative lasers. Ablative lasers target and resurface epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Because it is a fractional laser however the majority of the skin in the area treated remains intact which speeds up the healing process. There is no general anesthesia required, just a topical numbing cream applied directly to the skin. The patient experiences very minimal discomfort. In the days following the treatment the patient will have mild redness and swelling of the treated area which will be followed by an equally light skin peeling: it signals the skin's re-growth. The new skin will have a significantly better tone and texture than before. (If you scar caused an unevenness in the skin, the treatment stimulates the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin so the indentation will gradually fill out.) The healing after Fractional CO2 Laser scar revision is relatively fast (usually 5-7 days of at-home recovery are sufficient).

Is it possible to get rid of scars with non-ablative lasers? Fraxel laser can produce results compatible with those of Fractional CO2 Laser but requires more treatments. How does Fraxel laser scar revision work? Unlike Fractional CO2, Fraxel Laser is non-ablative which means that it superheats the skin's surface, instead. By stimulating the renewal of the supportive layer of the skin, Fraxel laser causes less injury while producing the same desired change to the skin's surface.

The main difference between these two treatments is that a scar revision with Fractional CO2 Laser is completed in fewer treatments; while the same procedure performed with Fraxel laser requires several treatments. Another difference: Fraxel is gentler and therefore a recovery after the treatment is faster. (If the treatment is scheduled for Friday, a weekend-long recovery is all you'll need.)

With some differences between them, both Fractional CO2 Laser and Fraxel laser scar revision produces excellent results and if not eliminate scars entirely then make them much less noticeable. Neither requires anesthesia or a lengthy downtime. Both are safe and FDA approved. Long story short: if you have a scar that makes you unhappy, and you hate or fear surgery, there are laser treatments that will help you get rid of scars quickly, safely, and effectively.

About the Author: Dr. Pejman Bahari is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (an expert in anti-aging medicine) who practices cosmetic medicine with emphasis on holistic patient care. He provides Fractional CO2 Laser treatments at his Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Bahari's priorities are: the patient's satisfaction, safety and comfort. In this spirit he advocates non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments which produce spectacular results WITHOUT the need for surgery or general anesthesia and require little or no downtime.

How to Manage Acne

Acne is a common skin condition. Acne forms inside clogged skin pores that drain sabeceous glands and eventually results in ugly breakouts. The severity of breakouts varies from individual to individual. Some experience mild breakouts which eventually clear completely; others experience painful cysts which seem to linger for a long time and leave behind scars or even "dimples" for life.

Acne is very common and affects teenagers and adults alike. There are several schools of thought about the causes of acne: some believe that it is caused by inflammation, others that it is caused by P. acnes bacteria; all agree that there is a connection between acne and hormonal imbalance which is why acne affects teens maturing into adults; may occur during a pregnancy; may affect women off birth control pills, etc. All in all, about 80 percent of all people deal with acne at some point of their life. Consequently the question "how to manage acne" is a popular one.

The initial form of acne management relies on topical applications. For some persons, over the counter creams and gels containing salicylic acid or Retin-A can be helpful. A more aggressive approach involves the use of prescription creams and gels such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamyin antibiotics, etc. which are effective for many acne sufferers. Oral antibiotics, Spirolactone, Oral contraceptives (women only), and Accutane are considered when topical treatments fail to produce results.

How to manage acne without medications? A non-pharmacological approach to acne management is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser therapy which may involve the use Amino Levulinic Acid (ALA) in conjunction with the treatment.

IPL Laser therapy is very gentle. It emits pulses of high intensity broadband light which produces heat. The heat causes controlled damage specifically to the areas affected by acne. The hot light bypasses the top layer of the skin; its focus is on the underlying layer (the dermis). During the treatment, the doctor uses filters for the patient's safety (blocking UV rays from touching your skin) and the patient wears protective eye gear. While treated, the patient feels "snaps" as if a rubber band was snapped against his or her face. (By the way, the treatment can be used on any other area of the body affected by acne, not only face.) IPL treatment kills the bacteria that causes acne flare ups and stimulates production of enzymes that protect the skin from infections.

What happens after the treatment? Immediately after the treatment a cooling gel is applied to the treated area; the patient gets also a regimen of skin care to use for the aftercare at home. Right after the treatment, you'll notice that your skin is pink. A few days later, acne begins to dry and peel off, and you'll begin to see clearer skin.

Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) can be used as a stand alone treatment; for patients with severe cystic and nodular acne it is often used in conjunction with Amino Levulinic Acid (ALA) which photosensitizes skin. IPL is used to activate ALA. To achieve best results, the IPL with Amino Levulinic Acid (ALA) treatment needs to be repeated. The frequency depends on the severity of your acne. If your acne is very severe you may need two treatments a week for eight weeks. If your acne is mild, one treatment per week for a period of eight weeks will be sufficient. Significant decrease of acne - and in some cases complete clearance of acne - achieved with IPL plus Amino Levulinic Acid therapy lasts for as long as one to one and half year.

One of the advantages of IPL therapy (with ALA or without) is the fact that the treatment is very gentle and the recovery involves little or no downtime. Once again, the severity of your acne will determine the length of your recovery. Those with mild acne might be able to resume their normal activities immediately. Those with more severe acne will be best advised to have the treatment after a few days to allow themselves a recovery.

There are many acne treatment options available. As anyone who's had to manage acne knows not every method is effective for every one. Repeated IPL therapy (with ALA or without) is a gentle option that in most acne cases provides a long term relief from symptoms. If you're wondering how to manage acne, talk to your doctor about IPL therapy.

About the Author: Dr. Pejman Bahari is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (an expert in anti-aging medicine) who practices cosmetic medicine with emphasis on holistic patient care. He provides Fractional CO2 Laser treatments at his Affinity Cosmetic and Laser Center in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Bahari's priorities are: the patient's satisfaction, safety and comfort. In this spirit he advocates non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments which produce spectacular results WITHOUT the need for surgery or general anesthesia and require little or no downtime.